Magistrate - Local Courts - New South Wales

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This NSW Department of Communities and Justice posting seeks applications for appointment as a Magistrate under the Local Court Act 2007. You must be an Australian lawyer with at least five years’ standing, or a current or former judicial officer, and you should demonstrate legal excellence in criminal or civil practice in the Local Court, the Children’s Court, or another relevant jurisdiction. The role may involve service in the Children’s Court and Coronial jurisdiction, with country service of at least two years. Prepare to address the Judicial Careers personal and professional qualities, including integrity, independence, clear explanations of procedures, good workload management, and technological capability. Submit a Word or PDF CV with two referees via jobs.dcj.nsw.gov.au, Job Reference 80692, by 11.59 pm AEDST on 23 February 2026; probity checks will be conducted. For inquiries contact His Honour Judge Allen at [email protected].

The Attorney General is seeking applications from persons qualified for appointment as a Magistrate under the Local Court Act 2007. A Magistrate of the Local Court may from time to time be appointed to serve in the Children’s Court and within the Coronial jurisdiction. Magistrates must undertake country service for a period of at least two years.

Applicants must be Australian lawyers of at least five years’ standing, or current or former judicial officers. Applicants should be able to demonstrate legal excellence, whether in criminal or civil practice in the Local Court, the Children’s Court or other relevant jurisdiction.

In addition, all applicants should address the list of personal and professional qualities for judicial appointments at Judicial Careers as part of their application.

Professional qualities

1. 1. Proficiency in the law and its underlying principles
   2. High level of professional expertise and ability in the areas of professional specialisation
   3. Applied experience (through the practice of law or other branches of legal practice)
   4. Intellectual and analytical ability
   5. Ability to discharge duties promptly
   6. Capacity to work under pressure
   7. Effective oral, written and interpersonal skills with peers and members of the public
   8. Ability to clearly explain procedure and decisions to all parties
   9. Effective management of workload
   10. Ability to maintain authority and inspire respect
   11. Willingness to participate in ongoing judicial education
   12. Ability to use, or willingness to learn, modern information technology

Personal qualities

1. 1. Integrity
   2. Independence and impartiality
   3. Good character
   4. Common sense and good judgement
   5. Courtesy and patience
   6. Social awareness

Note: Probity checks will be conducted.

Applications: To be submitted in Word or PDF, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and the names of at least two referees.  Applications must be lodged electronically.  Please go to jobs.dcj.nsw.gov.au and search Job Reference Number 80692.

It will be necessary for previous applicants to submit a fresh application if they still seek such appointment.

Applications close: 11.59pm AEDST – Monday, 23 February 2026

If you would like to make further enquiries contact His Honour Judge Allen, Chief Magistrate at [email protected]